Five Highlights from LA Opera’s Candide to Look Forward To

On Jan. 27, LA Opera returns for the second half of its 2017-18 season with Leonard Bernstein’s classic operetta Candide. With the premiere only weeks away, here are five highlights to look forward to in the lavish production.

As part of Leonard Bernstein’s centennial birthday, many companies across the globe with celebrate the American conductor/composers birthday by staging his most acclaimed works. LA Opera is participating in the festivities with Candide, following last season’s production of another Bernstein gem, Wonderful Town.

At LA Opera, we welcome artists of all kinds. Kelsey Grammer, the Emmy Award-winning actor best known for his role as Dr. Frasier Crane on both Frasier and Cheers, debuts with the company in the dual role of Voltaire and Pangloss. In addition, two-time Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole also debuts with LA Opera in the role of Old Lady.

Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon is arguably the backbone of LA Opera, with over 50 operas by more than 20 different composers under his belt. He returns to pit of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion with this production of Candide.

Young Singers on the Brink of Stardom

Tenor Jack Swanson and soprano Erin Morley

Our production doesn’t only feature seasoned veterans — as a company, LA Opera hopes to promote and encourage the next generation of operatic superstars. American tenor Jack Swanson leads the cast in the title role in his LAO debut, alongside soprano Erin Morley’s debut as Cunegonde.

Acclaimed Direction from Francesca Zambello

American director Francesca Zambello

Renowned director Francesca Zambello brings her fanciful production to LA for the first time. First performed at the Glimmerglass Festival in 2015, Zambello’s direction has been praised by Opera Today as “likely the best of all possible Candides.” And though this staging is new to the company, Zambello is no stranger to Los Angeles. This is her seventh production with LA Opera.